Pronunciation: a-lis-KYE-ren/HYE-droe-KLOR-oh-THYE-a-zide
Generic Name: Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide
Brand Name: Tekturna HCT
Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide may cause injury or death to the fetus if you take it while you are pregnant. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away.
Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide is used for:
Treating high blood pressure in certain patients. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide is a direct renin inhibitor and thiazide diuretic combination. The direct renin inhibitor works by relaxing blood vessels. The diuretic helps the kidneys to remove fluid from the body, which lowers blood pressure and helps the heart to pump blood more easily.
Do NOT use Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide or to any other sulfonamide medicine (eg, sulfamethoxazole)
- you have a history of angioedema (swelling of the hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness) caused by treatment with Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide
- you are pregnant
- you have severe kidney problems or you are unable to urinate
- you are taking cyclosporine, dofetilide, itraconazole, or ketanserin
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide:
Some medical conditions may interact with Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide. Tell your health care provider if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are a woman of childbearing age
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have a history of angioedema (swelling of the hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; hoarseness), especially when taking an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (eg, lisinopril)
- if you have a history of gout, lupus, asthma, heart problems, kidney problems (eg, renal artery stenosis), liver problems, kidney stones, parathyroid gland problems, or high blood cholesterol or lipid levels
- if you have diabetes, especially if you are also taking an ACE inhibitor (eg, lisinopril) or an angiotensin receptor blocker (eg, losartan)
- if you are dehydrated, receive dialysis treatment, or you have low blood volume
- if you are on a low-salt (sodium) diet
- if you have blood electrolyte problems (eg, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium)
- if you take other medicine for high blood pressure or heart problems
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Digoxin, dofetilide, or ketanserin because the risk of irregular heartbeat may be increased
- ACE inhibitors (eg, lisinopril), angiotensin receptor blockers (eg, losartan), potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, spironolactone), or potassium supplements because the risk of high blood potassium may be increased
- Atorvastatin, certain azole antifungals (eg, itraconazole, ketoconazole), barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), corticotropin, cyclosporine, other diuretics (eg, furosemide), other medicines for high blood pressure, or narcotic pain medicines (eg, codeine) because they may increase the risk of Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide's side effects, including low blood pressure
- Cholestyramine, colestipol, irbesartan, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) because they may decrease Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide's effectiveness
- Diazoxide or lithium because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide
- Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) or insulin or other medicines for diabetes (eg, glipizide) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide:
Use Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- An extra patient leaflet is available with Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
- Take Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide by mouth with or without food. However, you must take it the same way each time you take it. If you take Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide on an empty stomach, always take it on an empty stomach. If you take it with food, always take it with food.
- Taking Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide with foods that are high in fat may decrease its effectiveness. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
- Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide may increase the amount of urine or cause you to urinate more often when you first start taking it. To keep this from disturbing your sleep, try to take your dose before 6 pm.
- If you take cholestyramine or colestipol, ask your doctor or pharmacist how to take it with Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide.
- Take Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it.
- Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide works best if it is taken at the same time each day.
- Continue to take Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
- If you miss a dose of Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide.
Important safety information:
- Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide may cause dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide may cause dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
- Check with your doctor before you drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
- Dehydration, excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea may increase the risk of low blood pressure. Contact your health care provider at once if any of these occur.
- It may take up to 4 weeks to get the full benefit from Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide. Do not stop using Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide or change your dose of Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide without checking with your doctor.
- Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide may cause a serious side effect called angioedema. Contact your doctor at once if you develop swelling of the hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness.
- Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
- Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide contains a sulfonamide called hydrochlorothiazide, which can cause certain eye problems (myopia, angle-closure glaucoma). Your risk may be increased if you are allergic to sulfonamide medicines (eg, sulfamethoxazole) or to penicillin antibiotics (eg, amoxicillin). Untreated angle-closure glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss. If these eye problems occur, symptoms usually occur within hours to weeks of starting Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide. Contact your doctor right away if you experience symptoms such as vision changes (eg, decreased vision clearness) or eye pain.
- Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.
- Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
- If you have high blood pressure, do not use nonprescription products that contain stimulants. These products may include diet pills or cold medicines. Contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
- Check with your doctor before you use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it.
- Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide may raise your blood sugar. High blood sugar may make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty. It can also make you flush, breathe faster, or have a fruit-like breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away.
- Diabetes patients - Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
- Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide may interfere with certain lab tests, including parathyroid function. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide.
- Lab tests, including blood pressure, blood electrolyte levels, and kidney function, may be performed while you use Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 18 years; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING: Do not take Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide if you are pregnant. Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide may cause birth defects or fetal death if you take it while you are pregnant. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide.
Possible side effects of Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Cough; dizziness; flu-like symptoms (eg, headache, muscle or joint aches, tiredness); mild diarrhea.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing or swallowing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, throat, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); decreased urination; eye pain; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; increased thirst; irregular heartbeat; muscle pain or cramps; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe or persistent nausea or stomach pain; shortness of breath; symptoms of low blood pressure (eg, fainting, light-headedness, severe dizziness); unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness or weakness; unusually dry mouth; vision changes (eg, decreased vision clearness); yellowing of the eyes or skin.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include fainting; severe dizziness or light-headedness; symptoms of blood electrolyte problems (eg, confusion; irregular heartbeat; mental or mood changes; muscle pain, weakness, or cramping; seizures; sluggishness); symptoms of dehydration (eg, dry mouth or eyes; decreased urination; fast heartbeat; unusual thirst, tiredness, or weakness).
Proper storage of Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide:
Store Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide resources
- Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide Side Effects (in more detail)
- Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide Drug Interactions
- Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide Support Group
- 4 Reviews for Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide - Add your own review/rating
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